Ji Dashan’s legs trembled with fear and he fell to his knees, panicking, "How, how could this be possible?"
The old steward coldly replied, "The terms are clearly laid out in the contract. Are you trying to renege on it?"
Ji Dashan’s heart ached as if he wanted to cry. "I’m illiterate. You said signing this contract was for safety but never mentioned about paying back money!"
At the time of signing the contract, Master Wang assured him that he would first pay him a hundred taels of silver and another hundred after completion of the task. Ji Dashan was under the impression that this contract was for his own protection.
Master Wang nonchalantly swished his tea cup without even looking at Ji Dashan. "True, it’s a two-way guarantee. Business contracts are not unilateral. It’s clearly written in black and white: if the task is completed, I owe you another hundred taels. If not, you need to return twice the deposit I gave."
Ji Dashan’s face turned deathly pale, he forgot to act, blustered angrily, "Isn’t this bullying because I’m illiterate? Where is the justice in this?"
"If you’re trying to renege, just send directly to the Public Court. The solution is simple: if you can’t pay, you’ll end up in jail. Make your choice." Master Wang chuckled and took a sip of his tea. Compared to Ji Dashan’s agitation, he was clearly calmer.
Only now did Ji Dashan understand the saying, ’No honest business!’ Why did he believe him so easily?
Drowning in sorrow, Ji Dashan knelt on the ground, begging for mercy: "Master Wang, please spare me! I truly did not understand the ramifications when I signed. You know that I don’t have much wealth. You’re pushing me into a corner!"
Master Wang glanced at him with contempt, "If you feel you’re being cornered, I can offer an alternative, provided you’re willing."
Hearing these words, Ji Dashan looked hopeful and immediately nodded, "Willing, willing! I’m definitely willing! Master Wang, spare me. I’ll do anything you ask."
Master Wang coldly replied, "Tell me how grape wine is made, and I’ll spare you."
The previously hopeful eyes of Ji Dashan instantly dimmed. His face turned pale and begged, tugging at Master Wang’s trousers, "Master Wang, how would I know how to make grape wine? If I did, wouldn’t I have been rich by now?" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
"You might not know, but your daughter does," replied Master Wang.
Ji Dashan clenched his teeth, took a deep breath, and finally told the truth. "In fact, my daughter and I don’t get along. She isn’t willing to listen to me. We separated a few months ago and live independently. Yes, the grape wine business belongs to our Ji family, but in reality, it’s all hers. To this day, I’ve never stepped foot into her shop."
Conveying this to Master Wang, Ji Dashan felt miserable. Raising his head felt like a chore, he had lost face being despised by his own daughter.
Master Wang, however, showed no surprise. He seemed like he knew all along. Coldly, he said, "I’m not interested in your family matters. I just want to know the recipe for grape wine. If you can bring this to me, not only will I waive the money you owe me according to the contract, but I will also give you an additional five hundred taels! What do you say, will you do this business or not?"
Ji Dashan just stood there, unsure of what to say. However, he indeed felt tempted.
Five hundred taels of silver, with that money, he could lead a carefree life for the rest of his life. He could even afford to buy a large piece of fertile land, hire laborers to grow crops, and become a wealthy man in Yangluo Bay!
"But, but I really can’t..." Ji Dashan looked troubled.
Master Wang calmly looked at him, "No, you can. After all, she is your daughter. And she still lives in your courtyard, you can figure it out!"
Ji Dashan just sat there, somewhat understanding the underlying meaning of Master Wang’s words.
Master Wang didn’t want to waste more words on him, so he stood up and said, "You think about it carefully. Within five days, I need the recipe for grape wine, no matter what. Otherwise, it won’t be me coming to you, but the government coming to arrest you!"
Ji Dashan suddenly felt weak, stumbling down onto the ground, he found it hard to breathe.
Master Wang left, and the old steward naturally didn’t bother with him, snorting coldly and turning to leave, leaving only two maids at the entrance of the hall.
Ji Dashan looked up at the grandeur of the hall, frozen in place and unable to move. Before entering this extravagant mansion, he couldn’t contain his honor and excitement, but now, the pressure made him miserable, wanting to escape.
When Ji Dashan returned home, Lady Ding glared at him condescendingly, "Did you return the money?!"
Ji Dashan shook his head, looking desolate.
"No?" Lady Ding looked surprised, "Could it be that the Wang family generously gave us the hundred taels?"
Ji Dashan then relayed all that had transpired at Wang’s house.
At first, Lady Ding was terrified, but when she heard they could earn another five hundred taels, her eyes lit up instantly, "What are you waiting for then? Hurry up and figure out how to make grape wine!"
Ji Dashan sighed, "Xin He won’t even see me, how will she tell me her exclusive secret recipe?"
Lady Ding furiously jabbed his forehead, "Are you stupid!? At this point, are you still relying on that heartless girl to save you? Dream on! We have to fend for ourselves!"
——
It was completely dark before Ji Dong came home. He had been busy at the new house, which was in the final stages of construction, and there were many details that needed attention. Even as the supervisor, Ji Dong was particularly busy.
Xin He saw that he had come home and reheated dinner for him, "Why are you working so late? You could have been a bit relaxed."
Ji Dong wiped his face, smiling, "There’s no problem. You’re getting married soon, as your big brother, I have to give you a decent new house, right?"
Xin He laughed, bringing out the hot food from the pot, "Xiao Bei is already asleep because he has school tomorrow and needs to wake up early. Big brother, you should eat and then go to sleep early."
"Ok!" Ji Dong said, lowering his head to eat his food.
Suddenly, Xin He seemed to remember something and asked, "Big brother, do you remember the Wang family who took care of our mother as a wet nurse?"
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